Interim Chief of Staff - Public Sector (Inside IR35)

Cedar Recruitment; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A major central government body is seeking an Interim Chief of Staff to provide strategic leadership and operational coordination during a period of significant change. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in the public sector, alongside exceptional communication skills and the ability to advise senior leaders effectively. This role requires a strong educational background in public policy or political science, ideally supported by advanced qualifications. Offering a day rate of £750 for a duration of 6 months, with a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Strong grounding in public policy, political science, or public administration.
• Senior experience in management or executive support functions.
• Ability to operate with pace, professionalism, and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational coordination.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders.
• Drive effective prioritisation and governance arrangements.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational coordination

Exceptional communication skills

Project leadership

Government experience

Education

Advanced qualification (e.g., MPA)

Job description

Interim Chief of Staff (Central Government)

Location: Birmingham (2 days per week on-site) Day Rate: £750 per day (inside IR35) Duration: 6 months initially

Start: ASAP

About the Role

A major central government body is seeking a highly capable Interim Chief of Staff to provide strategic leadership, operational coordination, and executive-level support during a period of significant organisational change and heightened delivery demands.

This role requires a strong grounding in public policy, political science, or public administration, ideally supported by an advanced qualification such as an MPA. The successful Public Sector Chief of Staff will bring a well‑developed mix of strategic insight, organisational management, and exceptional communication skills, typically gained through senior experience in management, project leadership, or executive support functions.

As Interim Chief of Staff, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, driving effective prioritisation, strengthening governance arrangements, and providing oversight across key programmes within a complex, high‑profile public‑sector environment. The ideal candidate will have substantial government experience and the ability to operate with pace, professionalism, and diplomacy.